Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
âIf someone has a bad character, no matter how wealthy and influential their family may be, you should not consider marrying them,â Qin Zhenzhen emphasized.
âOn the other hand, if he possesses good character and treats you well, even if his family isnât particularly wealthy, you can still consider him as a potential partner. â
âYou neednât fret about lacking money after marriage. When the time comes, the dowry we provide will suffice to make you financially comfortable.â
Qin Zhenzhen shared these words rapidly, leaving Su Ning stunned, her face gradually flushing with embarrassment.
Baffled by the sudden counsel, Su Ning inquired of Qin Zhenzhen, âThird
Sister-in-law, are you worried that Iâll face mistreatment in my marriage?â âOr are you concerned that the man I marry wonât be a good match for me?â
Qin Zhenzhen nodded earnestly. âOf course, I worry about that! But rest assured, your third brother and I will keep a close watch on your future husband.â
âThank you, Third Sister-in-law.â
While her face grew even redder, Su Ning expressed a serious reminder to Qin Zhenzhen, âHowever, I donât want Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law arranging my engagement behind my back. Before any engagement, I must meet and get to know the person first before making a decision!â âThird Sister-in-law, please convey this to Third Brother.â
Qin Zhenzhen regarded Su Ning and agreed, âCertainly.â
âCould you also share with Third Sister-in-law your criteria for selecting a husband in the future?â Su Ning inquired.
Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Su Ning responded, âI donât have strict criteria. I simply believe that we must⦠get along.â
She couldnât admit that her future husbandâs appearance would be a significant factor, followed by his character and family background.
The image of an attractive man triggered thoughts of the Third Prince, his striking features effortlessly surfacing in her mind.
The Third Prince was undeniably handsome, his smile making him even more captivating.
In fact, Su Ning had previously considered her third brother to be the most handsome man in the world. Little did she expect that he would pale in comparison to the Third Prince.
If only her future husband could be as handsome as the Third Prince, she thought with a flush of embarrassment, chiding herself for such thoughts at her tender age. Marriage was the furthest thing from her mind, and it was all thanks to Third Sister-in-law for initiating this conversation.
âThird Sister-in-law, Iâm still quite young. Could we not talk about this for now?â Su Ning requested, her cheeks still warm from her earlier musings.
Qin Zhenzhen had initially hoped to prompt Su Ning to admit her feelings for the Third Prince. Given Su Ningâs request, she reluctantly steered the conversation in a different direction.
In that moment, Qin Zhenzhen couldnât help but feel a sense of powerlessness. Su Ningâs expression had revealed more than words ever could: she indeed held feelings for the Third Prince.
Finally, the grueling nine-day, six-night examination period drew to a close.
As customary, Qin Zhenzhen and Su Ning arrived with snacks to collect Su Bin.
Early spring still clung to the chill in the air, and examinees were not permitted to bring quilts to the examination hall. To endure the cold nights without falling ill, they needed to possess robust health.
Examinees emerged from the examination hall one after another, wearing various expressions.
Some were brimming with confidence, convinced that they had excelled and were now simply awaiting the release of the rankings.
Others appeared crestfallen, recognizing their own inadequacies in their answers. Before the results were even announced, they harbored no illusions about passing.
A few hugged their families tightly, tears streaming down their faces as they confessed their perceived failures in the examination.
The majority, however, seemed utterly drained, yearning for nothing more than to return home immediately and sink into their beds for a well-deserved three-day, three-night slumber.
Although Su Bin was not among the first to exit, his energy levels far exceeded those of his fellow candidates.
âThird Brother, weâre here!â Su Ning called out exuberantly, her upbringing in the countryside causing her to lack the reserved demeanor expected of young ladies from affluent families. As she shouted, the family members who had come to collect their candidates turned their gazes toward her.
It was only then that Su Ning realized her impulsive behavior and blushed in embarrassment..